Liberty lose All-Star Jonquel Jones to ankle injury vs. Sky

The New York Liberty suffered an injury to a key player Tuesday night in the midst of a heated playoff race.

All-Star center Jonquel Jones left the court with a left ankle injury in the first quarter against the Chicago Sky and did not return to the game. The Liberty initially ruled her as questionable after she went to the locker room, but they ruled her out for the game shortly after halftime.

Jones sustained the injury when she tripped over Dijonai Carrington while backing into the post. Carrington kneed Jones in her lower-left leg and was called for a foul on the play. Jones immediately grabbed her leg in pain after falling to the floor.

The game was tied at 16-16 at the time of Jones’ injury.

The injury left the Liberty without their top post player for the remainder of the game. They’re certainly hoping that it doesn’t sideline her for longer with New York in the midst of a tight battle for playoff positioning.

Jones entered Tuesday’s game averaging 14.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.1 blocks per game. An inside-out threat, she shoots 49.4% from the floor and 38.8% on 4.7 3-point attempts per game. She made her sixth All-Star team this season.

The Liberty entered Tuesday night at 22-14, in position for the sixth of eight playoff spots with eight games including Tuesday’s remaining in the regular season. The seven teams behind the first-place Minnesota Lynx were all within six games of each other in a seeding race that could flip by the end of the season.

Jones’ health will be key for the Liberty for the stretch run and once the postseason begins.